Towable heater

ABSTRACT

A portable industrial heater including a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet, one or more burners housed within the housing and configured to heat air passing through the housing from the air inlet to the air outlet, and a generator selectively providing power to the one or more burners. The air inlet and the air outlet are positioned on a same side of the housing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/814,755, filed Mar. 6, 2019, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to industrial heating devices.More specifically, the present disclosure relates to portable industrialheaters. Generally speaking, portable industrial heaters are specific todifferent industries. Many conventional portable industrial heatersrequire different heating capacities depending on the industry of use.

SUMMARY

At least one embodiment relates to a portable industrial heaterincluding a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet, one or moreburners housed within the housing and configured to heat air passingthrough the housing from the air inlet to the air outlet, and agenerator selectively providing power to the one or more burners. Theair inlet and the air outlet are positioned on a same side of thehousing.

Another embodiment relates to a portable industrial heater assemblyincluding a removable heating unit configured to heat air, the removableheating unit comprising a burner and an air outlet. The portable heaterassembly further includes a housing portion configured to house one ormore fuel tanks and a generator selectively providing power to theremovable heating unit, a trailer configured to support the housingportion and the removable heating unit in a stowed position, the trailercomprising one or more trailer wheels, a frame, and a hitch. Theremovable heating unit is configured to operate remotely from thetrailer and the housing portion, the removable heating unit receivingfuel from the one or more fuel tanks and electricity from the generator.

Another embodiment relates to a portable industrial heater including ahousing comprising a modular compartment, one or more burners configuredto heat air passing through the housing. The housing further comprisesone or more additional modular compartments, each additional modularcompartment configured to selectively receive at least one of the one ormore burners.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will become more fully understood from the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a towable heater, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the towable heater of FIG. 1 fromthe bottom;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the towable heater of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the towable heater of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the towable heater of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the towable heater of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a trailer for use with the towableheater of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the trailer of FIG. 7 from the top;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the trailer of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the trailer of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the trailer of FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a towable heater, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the towable heater of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the towable heater of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a towable heater, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the towable heater of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a perspective schematic view of a connection feature of thetowable heater of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a side schematic view of the connection feature of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of a towable heater, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of the towable heater of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of a towable heater, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of the towable heater of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a front view of a user interface of the towable heater ofFIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a front view of a user interface of the towable heater ofFIG. 21;

FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of a towable heater, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram of a top view of the towable heater ofFIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a front perspective view of the towable heater of FIG. 25;

FIG. 28 is a rear perspective view of the towable heater of FIG. 25;

FIG. 29 is a rear perspective view of the towable heater of FIG. 25;

FIG. 30 is a front perspective view of a towable heater, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram of a top view of the towable heater ofFIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a front perspective view of a towable heater assembly,according to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 33 is a front perspective view of the towable heater assembly ofFIG. 32 in an example use environment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the presentapplication is not limited to the details or methodology set forth inthe description or illustrated in the figures. It should also beunderstood that the terminology is for the purpose of description onlyand should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring generally to the figures, a towable heater assembly is shown.The towable heater assembly provides heating for various applications,including, but not limited to, concrete curing, temporary industrialheating, drying out flooded buildings or areas, construction sites,warming the ground for a jobsite, and so on. In addition, in emergencyresponse situations, the towable heater assembly provides a heat source,drying capabilities, and portable power. Ducting is removably coupled tothe towable heater assembly and used to direct a heated air flow fromthe heater to a particular enclosure, area, building, equipment, etc.The towable heater assembly is mounted on a trailer and is configuredfor easy portability. The heater may also be dismounted from the trailerand supported and/or transported in other ways. In some embodiments, thetowable heater assembly includes one or more removable and individuallyportable heating units. In this way, a separate, smaller heating unitcan be positioned within an area (e.g., open door, enclosure) remotefrom the rest of the towable heater assembly.

The towable heater assembly also includes various compartments andcovers configured to house the various components of the heater suchthat no parts of the heater extend past the overall package (e.g.,housing, envelope, frame, etc.) of the heater. For example, no ducting,connection features, outlets, user interfaces, etc., extend past or hangoff of the towable heater, or are exposed to elements, such as rain,heat, snow, hail, etc. In this way, the potential for accidentallysnagging or damaging a component of the towable heater while moving oroperating the heater assembly is reduced. In addition, exposure of thecomponents of the heater assembly to potentially adverse weatherconditions is limited.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a towable heater is shown, according to anexemplary embodiment. The towable heater 10 is configured to produce aheated airflow that can be directed to certain areas, enclosures,equipment, buildings, etc. heat the area and/or dry out the area. Thetowable heater 10 includes one or more burners 42, 44 (e.g., a firstburner 42, second burner 44) and a generator (e.g., generator 530 shownin FIGS. 28-29) providing power to the one or more burners 42, 44. Theburners 42, 44 are indirect fired burners. The generator includes anengine and an alternator driven by the engine. The alternator produceselectrical power from input mechanical power from the engine. Theburners 42, 44 are configured to produce approximately 500,000 Britishthermal units (BTUs) each, or an approximate combined 1,000,000 BTUs(e.g., using both the first burner 42 and second burner 44 together). Insome embodiments, a third burner may be used, thereby producing acombined 1,500,000 BTUs of output. In other embodiments, the burners 42,44 may produce more or less heat.

The towable heater 10 includes a housing 13 including a front 2, rear 4,top 6, bottom 8, left side 12, and right side 14. In variousembodiments, the housing 13 may be made up at least partially of panels,dividers, covers, and doors as will be described further herein (e.g.,front storage door 22, rear storage door 24). For example, as shown inFIG. 1, the top 6 is formed from two panels, a first panel 17 and asecond panel 19. The incorporation of separate panels may allow thetowable heater 10 to be modular in nature. For example, a manufacturercan shorten the length of the towable heater 10 by removing one or moreof the panels in situations where only one burner may be used. In otherembodiments, the top 6 may be formed as a single piece. The housing 13also includes a fluid containment system 26 including various trays,compartments, panels, and/or portions, as described further herein. Thehousing 13 houses the generator and the burners 42, 44, fuel tanks 52,54, 56, as well as various other stored items (e.g., ducts).

The towable heater 10 is mounted on and supported by a trailer 50 with aframe 15, a hitch 16, and one or more wheels 20 for portability. In someembodiments, a portion of the trailer 50 or frame 15 forms a portion ofthe housing 13. For example, a perimeter siding 25 (e.g., formed out ofsheet metal) or a number of perimeter sidings 25 may be coupled (e.g.,fastened, attached) around the entire perimeter of the housing 13 nearthe bottom 8. The siding 25 may form at least a portion of the left side12, right side 14, front 2, and rear 4.

Referring to FIG. 3, the towable heater 10 includes a first opening 62providing access to a first burner 42 and a second opening 64 providingaccess to a second burner 44. The openings 62, 64 are formed in the leftside 12 of the housing 13. In other embodiments, the openings are formedin another side of the housing (e.g., right side 14). The openings 62,64 are each enclosed by a cover 32 when the burners 42, 44 are not beingaccessed. The covers 32 may provide a water-tight seal when coupled tothe housing 13.

The towable heater 10 includes one or more fuel tanks 52, 54, 56configured to provide fuel to the generator and the burners 42, 44. Forexample, a first fuel tank 52 fuels the first burner 42, a second fueltank 54 fuels the second burner 44, and a third fuel tank 56 fuels theengine of the generator. In some embodiments, only one burner may beused for the towable heater 10 and in such a case, only two fuel tanksare included, one fuel tank for the single burner and one fuel tank forthe engine. Each of the fuel tanks 52, 54, 56 include a respective fueltank cap 92, 94, 96 (e.g., first fuel tank 52 includes a first fuel tankcap 92, second fuel tank 54 includes a second fuel tank cap 94, thirdfuel tank 56 includes a third fuel tank cap 96). Each of the fuel tankcaps 92, 94, 96 are accessible to an operator on the left side 12 of thetowable heater 10. As such, all fuel tanks can be refilled by anoperator on the same side of the towable heater 10. In some embodiments,the fuel tank caps 92, 94, 96 are accessible to an operator on the otherside (e.g., right side 14) of the towable heater 10. A seal may surroundthe fuel tanks 52, 54, 56 at the housing 13 such that fluids may notenter the housing 13 near the fuel tank caps 92, 94, 96. One or more ofthe towable heaters described herein may include one or more outletspositioned on the outside of the housing. The outlets may be groundfault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets. The outlets provide access topower produced by the generator. The outlets may be covered by athermoform plastic material.

Referring to FIG. 4, a top view of the towable heater 10 is shown,according to an exemplary embodiment. In this view, a second portion orpanel 19 of the top 6 of the housing 13 is removed such that one of theburner compartments (e.g., second compartment 73) is shown. The secondcompartment 73 includes the second burner 44 and second ducting 21having an inlet 23, a first outlet 76, and a second outlet 78. Air flowsinto the second compartment 73 through an air inlet 66 shown by arrow 82and through the second compartment 73 to the second burner 44 at arrow84. The air flows past the burner at arrow 86 and through the ducting 21and exits the towable heater through the first outlet 76 and the secondoutlet 78. The air flow in the compartment flows in a two-directionalmanner. Air flow occurs similarly for the first burner 44, where the airflows into a first compartment 71 (FIG. 8) through an air inlet 68,flows past the first burner 42, and exits the first compartment 71through a first outlet 72 and a second outlet 74 (e.g., of a firstducting). Accordingly, dual air inlets and dual air intake paths areused, one air inlet and air intake path for each burner. In addition,the air inlets and outlets are positioned on the same side of thetowable heater 10 as each other. For example, the air inlets and outletsfor each compartment 71, 73 are positioned on the right side 14 of thetowable heater 10. In other embodiments, the air inlets and outlets canbe otherwise positioned.

Referring to FIGS. 5-6, a perspective view of the towable heater 10 witha front storage door 22 open is shown, according to an exemplaryembodiment. The front storage door 22 is configured to open upward andoutward from the housing 13, pivoting at hinge 34 (e.g., proximate thetop 6 and first panel 17), exposing a front storage compartment 60. Afront wall 28 of the front storage compartment 60 is configured to openoutward and downward, pivoting at hinge 36 (e.g., proximate the bottom8). In this way, there is more room to maneuver objects in and out ofthe compartment 60. For example, an operator can open the front storagedoor 22, then open the front wall 28 of the front storage compartment 60such that it is not necessary to insert objects at an angle (e.g.,diagonally) into the compartment 60. Instead, the operator can easilyplace items in and remove items from the compartment 60 without worryingabout contacting the front wall 28. After placing ducts or other itemsinto the compartment 60 and then closing the front wall 28, the operatorcan then place more items into the compartment 60 without worrying aboutthe items falling out due to the positioning of the front wall 28. Inaddition, the operator can easily reach the bottom of the storagecompartment 60 (e.g., to reach items fallen to the bottom of thecompartment, clean the compartment, etc.).

Referring to FIGS. 7-11, a trailer 50 with a frame 15, a hitch 16, andone or more wheels 20 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment.The frame 15 includes one or more divider supports 65 and a crossbar 55.The divider supports 65 and crossbar 55 help to support the panels(e.g., first panel 17, second panel 19), doors, and covers that make upthe housing 13. One or more compartments are formed as part of thetrailer 50.

One or more compartments or containment trays 71, 73, 75 are included.As shown in FIG. 11, the first compartment 71 is formed by the siding25, a first wall 81, a first divider 91, a second wall 83, and a seconddivider 93. The second compartment 73 is formed by the siding 25, thesecond wall 83, the second divider 93, a third wall 85, and a thirddivider 95. The third compartment 75 is formed by the siding 25, thethird wall 85, the third divider 95, and a fourth wall 87. Each burner42, 44 is positioned within a separate compartment. For example, thefirst burner 42 is positioned in the first compartment 71 and the secondburner 44 is positioned in the second compartment 73. In this way, eachof the burners 42, 44 have recirculating capabilities, where air for aburner (e.g., first burner 42) is pulled only from a single compartment(e.g., first compartment 71). In addition, the air passing over theburners 42, 44 is combined with already-heated air passing through thecompartments 71, 73. As such, the towable heater 10 does not have towork as hard to heat up the air flowing therethrough.

As shown in FIG. 8, each of the fuel tanks 52, 54, 56 are positioned ina separate compartment. The first fuel tank 52 is positioned within thefirst compartment 71, the second fuel tank 54 is positioned within thesecond compartment 73, and the third fuel tank 56 is positioned withinthe third compartment 75. As shown in FIG. 10, one or more of the firstwall 81, second wall 83, third wall 85, and fourth wall 87 includeopenings 90 such that each of the compartments are in fluidcommunication with each other. The openings 90 include a fuel lineattachment feature inserted through the walls to connect thecompartments. The compartments 71, 73, 75 each include a drain 67 forfluid to drain out of the compartment. The combination of these featuresallows the towable heater 10 to be parked on sloped or angled surfaces,where fluid can move between the compartments and not spill onto theground. The compartments 71, 73, 75 provide 150% fluid containment.

The compartments are modular such that an operator can remove or addcompartments to accommodate for the number of burners used with thetowable heater 10. For example, if using a single burner (e.g., for a500,000 BTU output), a manufacturer can remove a compartment (e.g., byremoving a top panel and a side panel) and reduce the overall packagesize of the towable heater 10.

Referring to FIGS. 12-14, a towable heater 100 is shown, according to anexemplary embodiment. The towable heater 100 includes a housing 113including a front 102, rear 104, top 106, bottom 108, left side 112, andright side 114. In various embodiments, the housing 113 may be made upat least partially of panels, dividers, covers, and doors as will bedescribed further herein (e.g., storage doors 122). The housing 113 alsoincludes a fluid containment system 126 including various trays,compartments, panels, and portions, as described further herein. Thehousing 113 houses the generator and the burners, as well as variousother stored items. The towable heater 100 is mounted on and supportedby a trailer 150 with a frame 110, a hitch 116, and one or more wheels120 for portability. In some embodiments, a portion of the trailer 150or frame 110 forms a portion of the housing 113. The housing 113includes at least two lift points 115, 117, which can be used to liftthe heater 100 off of the trailer 150. Using the two lift points 115,117, the heater 100 can be removed from the trailer 150 in a balancedfashion.

Referring to FIG. 13, a perspective view of the towable heater 100 witha side storage door 122 partially open is shown, according to anexemplary embodiment. The towable heater 100 includes one or more sidestorage doors 122 configured to open outward from the left and rightsides 112, 114, pivoting at hinge 124 (e.g., proximate the bottom 108),providing access to two side storage compartments 160. For example,arrow 181 illustrates the movement of side storage door 122. The sidestorage compartments 160 and doors 122 are positioned proximate thefront 102 of the towable heater 100. The side storage compartment 160 isformed by a bottom wall 121, a side wall 136, and a top wall 138. Thetop wall 138 pivots at hinge 128 relative to side wall 136 and the sidewall 136 pivots at hinge 124 relative to bottom wall 121. To open theside storage door 122, an operator can grab onto a handle 111 on the topwall 138 and pull outward away from the center of the towable heater 100and downward toward the ground. The side storage compartment 160 maystore a duct 118. As shown in FIG. 14, the side storage door 122 canextend out into a ramp that supports the duct 118. The inclusion of theramp limits the possibility of the duct 118 kinking. The duct 118extends from a first end 130 to a second end 140. The first end 130 isconfigured to couple to the towable heater 100 at connection 146 (e.g.,formed at bottom wall 121) and the duct 118 extends along the ramp tothe second end 140. To position the duct 118 back in the housing 113, anoperator can push the second end 140 of the duct 118 toward the firstend 130 (e.g., condensing the duct 118) and simultaneously lift up thetop wall 138 and side wall 136, effectively pivoting the side storagedoor 122 at hinge 128 and back into the housing 113.

Referring to FIGS. 15-16, a towable heater 200 is shown, according to anexemplary embodiment. The towable heater 200 includes a housing 213including a front 202, rear 204, top 206, bottom 208, left side 212, andright side 214. The housing 213 houses the generator and the burners, aswell as various other stored items. The towable heater 200 is mounted onand supported by a trailer 250 with a frame 210, a hitch 216, and one ormore wheels 220 for portability. The towable heater 200 includes astorage door 222 configured to open to provide access to a storagecompartment. To open the side storage door 222, an operator can grabonto a handle 211 and pull outward away from the center of the towableheater 100 and upward away from the ground. The storage door 222 isformed as part of the front 202. The storage door 222 is aerodynamic,rigid, and lightweight. In some embodiments, the storage door 222 isrotomolded. The housing 213 includes at least two lift points 215, 217,which can be used to lift the heater 200 off of the trailer 250. Usingthe two lift points 215, 217, the heater 200 can be removed from thetrailer 250 in a balanced fashion.

The towable heater 200 includes a first outlet 224 and a second outlet226 configured to expel heated air from the towable heater 200. As shownin FIG. 15, the first outlet 224 may be enclosed by a first outlet cover225 and the second outlet 226 may be enclosed by a second outlet cover227. By using separate outlet covers 225, 227, a door or panel is notnecessary, thereby reducing the complexity of the housing 213 design.Referring to FIGS. 16-18, a duct 218 is removably coupled to the towableheater 200 at either the first outlet 224 or the second outlet 226. Theduct 218 includes an inlet end 230 configured to be coupled to thetowable heater 200 via connection feature 246. The duct 218 is coupledto one of the outlets 224, 226 by sliding the inner diameter 232 of theduct 218 over the outer diameter 234 of the outlet 224, 226, shown byarrow 281 in FIG. 17. A magnet 238 (e.g., a magnetic ring) on the duct218 couples either directly to the side 212 of the towable heater 10(e.g., made of a ferromagnetic material) or to a magnet 236 (e.g., amagnetic ring) on the side 212 of the towable heater 200. In someembodiments, the duct 218 includes a clamp 242 at the inlet end 230.Using the connection feature 246 (e.g., magnets 236, 238, side 212), anoperator can easily connect and disconnect a duct 218 without the use oftools by sliding the duct 218 over one of the outlets 224, 226. Asillustrated in FIG. 18, the duct 218 can be moved towards and coupled toconnection feature 246. In some embodiments, the magnet 238 used on theduct 218 can be part of a magnetic attachment to the duct 218 and notformed as a part of the duct 218. Accordingly, the magnetic attachmentcan be purchased separately and used with the duct 218 and the duct 218does not need to be modified in any way.

Referring to FIGS. 19-20, a towable heater 300 is shown, according to anexemplary embodiment. The towable heater 300 includes a housing 313including a front 302, rear 304, top 306, bottom 308, left side 312, andright side 314. The housing 313 houses the generator and the burners, aswell as various other stored items. The housing 313 also includes afluid containment system 326 including various trays, compartments,panels, and portions, as described further herein. The towable heater300 is mounted on and supported by a trailer 350 with a frame 310, ahitch 316, and one or more wheels 320 for portability. The towableheater 300 includes a storage door 322 configured to open to provideaccess to a storage compartment. The storage door 322 is formed as partof the left side 312. To open the side storage door 322, an operator cangrab onto a handle 311 and pull outward away from the center of thetowable heater 300. In some embodiments, the towable heater 300 has aplurality of doors 322. The housing 313 includes at least two liftpoints 315, 317, which can be used to lift the heater 300 off of thetrailer 350. Using the two lift points 315, 317, the heater 300 can beremoved from the trailer 350 in a balanced fashion. The towable heater300 also includes one or more lights 332, 334, 336. A first light 332 ispositioned on the front 302, a second light 334 is positioned on theside (e.g., left side 312, right side 314), and a third light 336 ispositioned on the rear 304. The lights 332, 334, 336 may beambient-light sensors such that as it gets dark outside the lights turnon, or motion-sensors or proximity sensing lights such that as anoperator approaches or walks by the towable heater 300, the lights turnon. The lights provide 360 degree lighting surround the towable heater300.

Referring to FIGS. 21-22, a towable heater 400 is shown, according to anexemplary embodiment. The towable heater 400 includes a housing 413including a front 402, rear 404, top 406, bottom 408, left side 412, andright side 414. The housing 413 houses the generator and the burners, aswell as various other stored items. The housing 413 also includes afluid containment system 426 including various trays, compartments,panels, and portions, as described further herein. The towable heater400 is mounted on and supported by a trailer 450 with a frame 410, ahitch 416, and one or more wheels 420 for portability. The towableheater 400 includes a front storage door 422 configured to open toprovide access to a front storage compartment. The storage door 422 maybe formed as part of the front 402. The towable heater 400 also includesa user interface 480. The housing 413 includes at least two lift points415, 417, which can be used to lift the heater 400 off of the trailer450. Using the two lift points 415, 417, the heater 400 can be removedfrom the trailer 450 in a balanced fashion. The user interface 480displays information regarding the performance and status of the towableheater 400. In effect, the user interface 480 provides a single point ofcontrol for an operator of the towable heater 400. An operator caninteract with the user interface 480 by touching a screen, using aseparate mobile device, etc. The operator can view the operating statusof the towable heater 400 such as operating temperatures, burner output,generator output, operating pressures, engine speed, fuel levels, etc.In addition, the operator can input controls into the user interface 480to control the operation of the generator and burners. Referring toFIGS. 23-24, example user interfaces 480 are shown. In some embodiments,the color of the user interfaces 480 can indicate the status of thetowable heater 400. For example, in FIG. 23, the user interface 480 isdisplayed in a first color 481, for example red, and may indicate thereare one or more warnings about the operation of the towable heater 400.In FIG. 24, the user interface 480 is displayed in a second color 482,for example green, and may indicate that the towable heater 400 isoperating in a normal manner. In some embodiments, the first color 481or the second color 482 may be visible to an operator from a distance,and the color can indicate the status of the towable heater 400.

In some embodiments, the towable heater includes a controller. Thecontroller is configured to control operation of the generator, burners,and other components of the towable heater remotely. For example, thecontroller can control up to 30 different burners to which it isconnected. In some embodiments, the controller can control the provisionof power from the generator to the one or more burners. In this way, thecontroller can optimize the use of the one or more burners based on auser-desired and/or system-determined input. The controller is thusoperatively and communicably coupled to the generator, the one or moreburners, and the user interface (e.g., user interface 480).

In some embodiments, the controller communicates with a separateuser/operator device via a WiFi connection. As shown, the controllerincludes a processing circuit, which may include a processor and amemory. The processor may be implemented as a general-purpose processor,an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more fieldprogrammable gate arrays (FPGAs), a digital signal processor (DSP), agroup of processing components that may be distributed over variousgeographic locations or housed in a single location, or other suitableelectronic processing components. The one or more memory devices (e.g.,RAM, NVRAM, ROM, Flash Memory, hard disk storage) may store data and/orcomputer code for facilitating the various processes described herein.Moreover, the one or more memory devices may be or include tangible,non-transient volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Accordingly, theone or more memory devices may include database components, object codecomponents, script components, or any other type of informationstructure for supporting the various activities and informationstructures described herein.

In some embodiments, the user interface 480 is controlled by thecontroller (e.g., an input/output circuit of the controller) structuredto receive and provide communication(s) to an operator of the towableheater 400. In this regard, the controller is structured to exchangedata, communications, instructions, etc. with an input/output componentof the user interface 480. Accordingly, in one embodiment, thecontroller includes an input/output device such as a display device, atouchscreen, a keyboard, a microphone, etc. In another embodiment, thecontroller may include communication circuitry for facilitating theexchange of data, values, messages, and the like between an input/outputdevice and the components of the user interface 480. In yet anotherembodiment, the controller may include machine-readable media forfacilitating the exchange of information between the input/output deviceand the components of the user interface 480. In still anotherembodiment, the controller may include any combination of hardwarecomponents (e.g., a touchscreen), communication circuitry, andmachine-readable media.

Referring to FIGS. 25-26, a towable heater 500 is shown, according to anexemplary embodiment. The towable heater 500 includes a housing 513including a front 502, rear 504, top 506, bottom 508, left side 512, andright side 514. The housing 513 houses the generator and the burners, aswell as various other stored items. The towable heater 500 is mounted onand supported by a trailer 550 with a frame 510, a hitch 516, and one ormore wheels 520 for portability. The housing 513 includes at least twolift points 515, 517, which can be used to lift the heater 500 off ofthe trailer 550. Using the two lift points 515, 517, the heater 500 canbe removed from the trailer 550 in a balanced fashion.

Referring to FIG. 26, a top schematic view of the towable heater 500 isshown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The towable heater 500includes a first burner 542, a second burner 544, and a generator 530. Afirst fuel tank 552 provides fuel to the first burner 542, a second fueltank 554 provides fuel to the second burner 544, and a third fuel tank556 provides fuel to the generator 530. The fuel tanks 552, 554, 556 arepositioned directly above the wheels 520 (e.g., directly above a wheelaxis). In some embodiments, the fuel tanks are otherwise positioned. Thegenerator 530 is positioned rearward of the wheels 520, while theburners 542, 544 are positioned forward of the wheels 520. In someembodiments, the generator and burners are otherwise positioned.

Referring to FIG. 27, the towable heater 500 includes a front storagedoor 522 configured to open upward and outward to provide access to afront storage compartment 560 (e.g., to store one or more ducts 532,534). The front storage door 522 is formed as part of the front 502 ofthe housing 513. To open the front storage door 522, an operator cangrasp the handle 511 and pull outward and upward, pivoting at hinge 562.As illustrated by arrow 583, the front storage door 522 may pivotdownwards about hinge 562 to close. A front wall 564 formed as part ofthe front 502 of the housing 513 is also configured to open to allow anoperator to easily insert items, such as ducts 532, 534. The front wall564 opens outward and downward, pivoting at hinge 528. As illustrated byarrow 584, the front wall 564 may pivot upwards about hinge 528 toclose. In this way, there is more room to maneuver objects in and out ofthe front storage compartment 560. For example, an operator can open thefront wall 564 such that it is not necessary to insert objects at anangle (e.g., diagonally) into the front storage compartment 560.Instead, the operator can easily place items into and remove items fromthe front storage compartment 560 without worrying about contacting thefront wall 564. After placing ducts or other items into the compartment560 and then closing the front wall 564, the operator can then placemore items into the compartment 560 without worrying about the itemsfalling out due to the positioning of the front wall 564. In addition,the operator can easily reach the bottom of the storage compartment 560(e.g., to reach items fallen to the bottom of the compartment, clean thecompartment, etc.). The towable heater 500 includes a first outlet 524and a second outlet 526 configured to expel heated air from the towableheater 500. The ducts 532, 532 can be removably coupled to the towableheater 500 at either the first outlet 524 or the second outlet 526.

Referring to FIGS. 25-29, the towable heater 500 also includes a rearstorage compartment 570. The generator 530 may be positioned in the rearstorage compartment 570. The rear storage compartment 570 may include astorage rack 546 configured to hold a duct or other component for usewith the towable heater 500. The user interface 580 may be positioned ona rear door 542 within the rear storage compartment 570. The rear door542 may include a window or screen 582, which aligns with the userinterface 580 and through which an operator may view and interact withthe user interface 580. The window 582 protects the user interface 580against environmental conditions, such as rain, snow, heat, sun, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 30-31, a towable heater 600 is shown, according to anexemplary embodiment. The towable heater 600 includes a housing 613including a front 602, rear 604, top 606, bottom 608, left side 612, andright side 614. The housing 613 houses the generator and the burners, aswell as various other stored items. The towable heater 600 is mounted onand supported by a trailer 650 with a frame 610, a hitch 616, and one ormore wheels 620 for portability. The housing 613 includes at least twolift points 615, 617, which can be used to lift the heater 600 off ofthe trailer 650. Using the two lift points 615, 617, the heater 600 canbe removed from the trailer 650 in a balanced fashion. The towableheater 600 includes an outlet 624 configured to expel heated air fromthe towable heater 600. A duct 634 can be removably coupled to thetowable heater 600 at the outlet 524. The towable heater 600 shown inFIGS. 30-31 is similar to the towable heater 500 shown in FIGS. 25-29except that one less burner is used in the towable heater 600. Thetowable heater 500 shown in FIGS. 25-29 may be modified (e.g., thehousing 513 may be modified) to create the towable heater 600 shown inFIGS. 30-31. For example, one or more panels from each of the top 506,bottom 508, and sides 512, 514 may be removed to modify the towableheater to a smaller, more compact size (e.g., shorter in length, etc.)when a single burner is used.

Referring to FIG. 31, a top schematic view of the towable heater 600 isshown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The towable heater 600includes a burner 642 and a generator 630. A first fuel tank 654provides fuel to the burner 642 and a second fuel tank 656 provides fuelto the generator 630. The fuel tanks 654, 656 are positioned directlyabove the wheels 620 (e.g., directly above a wheel axis). In someembodiments, the fuel tanks are otherwise positioned.

Referring to FIGS. 32-33, a towable heater assembly 700 is shown. Thetowable heater assembly 700 includes a front compartment 702 and one ormore removable heating units 732, 734 supported by a trailer 750 with aframe 710, a hitch 716, and one or more wheels 720. The frontcompartment 702 may store hoses or conduits 760, 770. The removableheating units 732, 734 each include a burner housed therein and a heatedair outlet 742, 744. Heated air exits the removable heating units 732,734 through the heated air outlets 742, 744. While positioned remotely,the removable heating units 732, 734 are still controlled at the maintowable heater portion 705. Each of the removable heating units 732, 734are connected to and controlled by the generator positioned in rearportion 758 (e.g., via conduits or hoses 760, 770 respectively). Theconduits 760, 770 also provide fuel and electricity to the removableheating units 732, 734.

The removable heating units 732, 734 each include wheels 740 allowing anoperator to easily move the heating units 732, 734 around (e.g., rollaround) and to and from locations remote from the trailer 750 and therest of the towable heater assembly 700. Each of the removable heatingunits 732, 734 include a handle 752, 754 configured to be grasped by anoperator. For example, to move the second removable heating unit 734, anoperator can first place the one or more ramps 778 in position proximatethe side of the towable heater assembly 700, grasp the handle 754, andpull to roll the second removable heating unit 734 down the ramp 778 toa remote location. As shown in FIG. 33, the removable heating units 732,734 can be used in various locations, such as positioned through an opendoor 792 or on a second floor of a building 790.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “substantially”,and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited inthe appended claims.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describevarious embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments arepossible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possibleembodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that suchembodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

Unless described differently above, the terms “coupled,” “connected,”and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directlyor indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g.,permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable, releasable, etc.). Such joiningmay be achieved with the two members or the two members and anyadditional intermediate members being integrally formed as a singleunitary body with one another or with the two members or the two membersand any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation ofvarious elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientationof various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments,and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the presentdisclosure.

Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in itsexclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list ofelements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in thelist. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, andZ,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood withthe context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may beeither X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y, and Z (i.e., anycombination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is notgenerally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at leastone of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present,unless otherwise indicated.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of theelements of the systems and methods as shown in the exemplaryembodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments ofthe present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled inthe art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies ofthe components described herein may be constructed from any of a widevariety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, inany of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations.Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included withinthe scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications,changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions,and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments withoutdeparting from scope of the present disclosure or from the spirit of theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable industrial heater comprising: ahousing comprising an air inlet and an air outlet; one or more burnershoused within the housing and configured to heat air passing through thehousing from the air inlet to the air outlet; and a generatorselectively providing power to the one or more burners; wherein the airinlet and the air outlet are positioned on a same side of the housing.2. The portable industrial heater of claim 1, wherein the housingfurther comprises a fuel tank for each of the one or more burners andthe generator.
 3. The portable industrial heater of claim 1, wherein theair inlet is a first air inlet and the housing further comprises asecond air inlet; wherein the one or more burners comprise a firstburner and a second burner, the first air inlet providing air for thefirst burner and the second air inlet providing air for the secondburner.
 4. The portable industrial heater of claim 1, wherein the one ormore burners comprise a first burner and a second burner and the housingfurther comprises a first compartment to house the first burner and asecond compartment to house the second burner.
 5. The portableindustrial heater of claim 4, wherein the housing further comprises athird compartment to house the generator.
 6. The portable industrialheater of claim 5, further comprising a first fuel tank housed in thefirst compartment and providing fuel to the first burner, a second fueltank housed in the second compartment and providing fuel to the secondburner, and a third fuel tank housed in the third compartment andproviding fuel to the generator.
 7. The portable industrial heater ofclaim 1, further comprising a controller communicably and operativelycoupled to the generator to control operation of the generator.
 8. Theportable industrial heater of claim 1, further comprising a userinterface positioned on an outside of the housing, the user interfaceconfigured to receive inputs from an operator and in response, controloperation of the generator and the one or more burners, and whereinbased on an input from the operator to operate a first burner, thecontroller commands the generator to provide power to the first burner.9. The portable industrial heater of claim 8, wherein the controller isconfigured to operate the one or more burners based on an optimizedheating requirement.
 10. The portable industrial heater of claim 7,wherein the controller is structured to generate and display a messageto the user interface indicating a status of the one of more burners.11. The portable industrial heater of claim 1, wherein the housingcomprises one or more storage doors providing access to storagecompartments configured to hold at least one duct.
 12. The portableindustrial heater of claim 1, wherein a size of the housing isconfigured to be modified based on a number of burners positioned in thehousing.
 13. A portable industrial heater assembly comprising: a fluidcontainment system comprising a plurality of compartments, eachcompartment comprising a plurality of sidewalls; wherein eachcompartment is configured to house at least one of a burner, a fueltank, and a generator; and wherein at least one of the plurality ofsidewalls of each compartment includes an opening configured to allowfluid communication between the plurality of compartments.
 14. Theportable industrial heater assembly of claim 13, the fluid containmentsystem is configured to provide 150% fluid containment.
 15. The portableindustrial heater assembly of claim 13, further comprising a storagecompartment configured to house a duct, the storage compartmentcomprising a front storage door and a front wall; wherein the frontstorage door and the front storage wall are configured to selectivelyopen and allow access to the inside of the storage compartment.
 16. Theportable industrial heater assembly of claim 13, further comprising acontroller communicably and operatively coupled to the generator tocontrol operation of the generator.
 17. The portable industrial heaterassembly of claim 13, further comprising a user interface positioned onan outside of the housing portion, the user interface configured toreceive inputs from an operator and in response, control operation ofthe generator and the burner.
 18. A portable industrial heatercomprising: a housing comprising a modular compartment; one or moreburners configured to heat air passing through the housing; wherein thehousing further comprises one or more additional modular compartments,each additional modular compartment configured to selectively receive atleast one of the one or more burners.
 19. The portable industrial heaterof claim 18, further comprising a generator configured to selectivelyprovide power to the one or more burners.
 20. The portable industrialheater of claim 19, further comprising a fuel tank for each of the oneor more burners and the generator.